Big Island youths recently took top honors in the 45th Hawaii State Science and Engineering Fair. Shortly before that, some Hilo students took first place in the statewide Academic Decathlon. Money, mentors
help troubled teensDespite such achievements, the Big Island continues to have some of the greatest concentrations of social problems in the state, such as teen pregnancies, according to statistics from the Mental Health Association in Hawaii County. Beverley Grogan, who compiles the statistics every year, says successful youth invariably have adults guiding them. Preventing teen pregnancy also calls for adult guidance. And a science fair costs money. So does fixing social problems.
--Rod Thompson